Painting cast iron batteries is not such a difficult process that it cannot be done on your own, while saving a decent amount. In addition, you will be confident in the quality of work.
What is needed to cope with this task? To paint a battery properly, you need a suitable paint, as well as knowledge of some technological «secrets» the process itself.
Paints
When painting heating batteries, special requirements are imposed on their coating: they must be resistant to constant exposure to high temperatures, abrasion, and also retain consumer properties for a long time, that is, an attractive appearance. The following compositions are most suitable for painting cast iron batteries:
- Alkyd enamels.
Pros: when heated to 90 degrees, they retain strength, not «peeling off», abrasion resistant.
Cons: a specific smell lasts for a long time, the coating quickly turns yellow, it can deform.
- Water-dispersive acrylic enamels.
Pros: Fast drying, odorless after drying, color fastness that can be varied with universal colors.
Cons: limited choice – not all enamels of this group can withstand high temperatures.
- Acrylic solvent based enamels.
Pros: no pretreatment required before painting radiators, resistance to high temperatures and moisture, glossy surface that retains its original color for a long time.
Cons: Necessity to use a solvent, inability to use universal colors to change color shades.
Materials
To paint the battery, you need to have, in addition to the selected enamel:
- cleaner for old paintwork,
- sandpaper,
- anti-corrosion primer and brush set.
You won’t be able to do with one brush: for hard-to-reach places you need a small one, on a long handle, for external surfaces a wider one is suitable, which will allow you to lay the paint more evenly and save time.
Process
It is better not to paint heating batteries during the heating season. Applying enamel to hot metal will increase the odor in the room, and the coating may turn out to be uneven. In warmer months, you can open the windows for ventilation so that the smell of solvents does not harm your health. If you still need to paint the battery in winter, first disconnect it from the heating system using the appropriate valves.
- Prepare the surface. Treat it with an old paint stripper, wait for the recommended time, then sandpaper it to remove the old paint. Those places where it holds firmly and does not come off can be left – the new enamel will lie on top.
- Rinse and dry the battery. Apply a rustproofing primer to it using brushes. The choice of primer depends on the condition of your battery and the range of primers in the store. The sales assistant will help with the choice.
- The painting of the cast iron battery begins from the inside and from the top so that the flowing paint does not form drips. For work, use a brush that is suitable for the size, thickness and length of the handle. For the best resistance of the coating to external influences and to maintain an attractive appearance for a long time, apply two thin layers of enamel. The second layer is applied after the first one is completely dry..
